Ryan Diem: Indianapolis Colts Stalwart Right Tackle

Ryan Diem was born July 1, 1979. He is a nine-year veteran of the National Football League, and is currently the starting right tackle for the Indianapolis Colts.

Diem, who stands 6-foot-6 and weighs 320 pounds, attended Glenbard North High School in Carol Stream, Illinois. Not only was he named an honorable mention on the USA Today All-American team and a Chicago Tribune All-State football player, Diem also won the shot put competition at the state track meet, shattering several records in the process.

After high school, he attended Northern Illinois University on a football scholarship. He was a four-year letterman at NIU, and was a team captain his final two seasons. Diem was so dominant, he didn’t allow a single sack during his junior and senior years, earning All-Mac First Team honors in the process. When Bill Polian made him a fourth round pick of the Indianapolis Colts in 2001, Diem became the first offensive lineman to be drafted out of Northern Illinois in 15 years.

During his rookie season with Indy he replaced Larry Moore at right guard eight games in, and hasn’t relinquished a starting role since. That first season he was part of the crew that helped Dominic Rhodes finish with the most rushing yards ever by an undrafted free agent running back in NFL history. In 2003 he moved to the right tackle position. Since then, he’s averaged 14 games a season, usually sitting out in Week 17 when Peyton Manning and the rest of the key components get a rest.

In 2004, Diem started all 16 games as the Indianapolis offense set a club record in net yards, points scored, touchdowns, and first downs. They also became the first Colts squad to score 500 points in a season, and the offensive line allowed a scant 14 sacks. In other words, it was the greatest offensive season Indianapolis sports fans have ever seen. Though he’s never made a Pro Bowl, Diem’s been a stalwart in the starting lineup for the past decade, and has played a key role in every single record the Colts offense has achieved in that span.

Diem has also partnered with “Allie and Friends” for five years to host a charity golf outing to raise funds for Children’s Neuroblastoma Cancer Foundation. He currently lives with his wife Julie in Zionsville, Indiana.